After another quiet night at anchor, we plan to spend the entire day at Boca de Soledad, the northern reach of Bahia Magdalena. This “Mouth of Solitude” is where the female gray whales return each year to give birth to their calves, then teach them how to swim against the strong currents at the mouth of the bay, thereby readying them for the northbound migration to the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The protection afforded by these warm, shallow waters is essential prior to this 5,000-mile migration.
There will be two rounds of Zodiac cruises this morning, we can choose between the “Sunrise” Zodiac Cruise that departs at 7:00 a.m. or the “Civilized” Zodiac cruise that departs at 9:00 a.m. We discussed our options and decided that the “Civilized” would be best. What we did not realize was that we were on the bridge deck and the Zodiacs were stored above our cabin. At 6:30 a.m. that sound of the hydraulic crane and loud footsteps over our heads.
At 7:00 a.m. while the “Sunrise” group was boarding the Zodiacs we were enjoying breakfast of the usual cold items and Eggs Benedict, Hash Browns and Bacon.
At 9:00 a.m. the “Civilized” passengers boarded the Zodiacs the “Sunrise” passengers enjoyed breakfast.
Our Zodiac were loaded and headed out into the strong winds making their way towards the Boca.
Our round found less whales then the “Sunrise” round but a group of bottlenose dolphins decided that several Zodiacs would be perfect to play with; following in our wakes and bow riding just under the nose of the Zodiac.
The “Sunrise” round went quite far out into the Pacific Ocean searching for whales. Animals were sighted in the Boca, and although conditions for whale watching were difficult, much was spotted. In between waves, several gray whales continued to move in the surf. One animal breached near several Zodiacs, much to the enjoyment of everyone!
Sometimes the camera lens just does not get you close enough. It is all about the picture.